Teenager heading off to oil rigs to pursue dream

A PORTSMOUTH teenager is relocating to Aberdeen to begin work as an electrician in the offshore industry.

After successfully being awarded a place on the Oil and Gas Technical Apprenticeship Programme, Jess Logan, 17, will become part of only three per cent of females working offshore.

Jess said: ‘My cousin, who is a mechanic in the oil industry, did the programme a few years ago. The more I learned about it the more it seemed like the best way to pursue my dream of becoming an electrician.’

Jess is one of 105 students who have been accepted onto this year’s programme.

‘I’m hoping the scheme will help me to develop my love of electronics and the opportunity to work in the oil industry will give me an insight into a different way of life. I am also excited about the prospect of getting a helicopter to work,’ explained Jess.

With only 23 per cent of the industry’s employees being female there is a drive to improve the diversity of the workforce.

Chief executive of Oil and Gas UK, Deirdre Michie, said: ‘I would encourage girls to follow Jess’s example and apply for the scheme.’